SECURITY DEVICE FOR INTERVENTIONS ON BOARD A RAILWAY VEHICLE AT THE PLATFORM

Abstract

DEVICE FOR SECURING INTERVENTIONS ON BOARD A RAILWAY VEHICLE AT THE PLATFORM The invention relates to a device for securing interventions on board a railway vehicle at the platform, comprising: a flag tube (10) configured to receive a flag (40) signaling ongoing intervention; a hook head (20) comprising a receiving housing (22) for a longitudinal end of said flag tube (10), said hook head (20) further comprising means for fixing it to a sliding access door of a railway vehicle; a rigid tab (30) integral with said hook head and configured to cover a portion of the edge of the sliding door by extending transversely beyond this portion of the edge so as to form a stop that mechanically prevents said sliding access door from being moved to a locked closed position. Figure for the abstract: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR SECURING INTERVENTIONS ON BOARD A RAILWAY VEHICLE AT THE PLATFORM Technical field of the invention

[0001] The technical field of the invention is the securing of interventions on board a railway vehicle, such as refueling, cleaning of wagons, accompanying a person with a disability, etc. Technological background

[0002] During the operation of a railway vehicle intended for passenger transport, it is regularly necessary to carry out work on board the vehicle while it is stopped at the platform. This work may consist of refueling the train, cleaning the carriages, assisting a person with a disability, and generally performing an action on board the train at the platform by one or more operators. This work therefore requires one or more operators to board the train while it is stopped at the station to carry out the corresponding actions.

[0003] It is therefore necessary to implement procedures and / or means to protect any person who intervenes on board the train while it is parked at the platform and in particular to ensure that the train will not be put into motion before the intervention is completed.

[0004] For example, during the logistical operations of supplying the bar cars of a train, it is common for an operator to board the train through the passenger door, set up a gangway between the train and the platform or between the train and a supply vehicle parked on the platform. This gangway is then used by the operator to move rolling trolleys containing food and drinks in order to supply the train's bar car.

[0005] Incidents sometimes occur during these intervention operations on trains at the platform, resulting from the train unexpectedly moving while the onboard intervention is still underway. If the train moves, even just a few meters, while the footbridge is attached to the train, the consequences can be dramatic for the operator if they are in the process of moving the trolley on the footbridge and / or for passengers on the platform near the footbridge.

[0006] It is therefore important to have a solution that allows these intervention procedures in trains to be secured in order to guarantee the safety of operators and passengers.

[0007] It has already been proposed to arrange a visible device, such as a pennant, consisting of a weighted base from which a pole bearing a flag extends, near the train door through which the intervention procedure is underway. The purpose of this pennant is to signal to the driver or stationmaster, by means of a visible device, that an operation is in progress, so as to prevent the driver from starting the train or the stationmaster from giving the driver authorization to start the train.

[0008] However, this equipment can be blown away or fall near the access door, thus failing to fulfill its intended security objective. Furthermore, this banner can be obscured by the supply vehicle or by personnel moving on the platform.

[0009] The inventors therefore sought to propose an alternative solution that would make it possible to secure interventions on board railway vehicles at the platform, in particular those intended to transport passengers. Objectives of the invention

[0010] The invention aims to provide a device for securing interventions on board a railway vehicle at the platform.

[0011] The invention also aims to provide such a security device which is simple to use and can be quickly put in place and removed, without specific tools, by an operator without special qualifications.

[0012] The invention also aims to provide such a device which helps to mechanically prevent the movement of the train.

[0013] The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, such a device which allows the driver and / or station manager to be visually alerted that an intervention is in progress.

[0014] The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, such a device which can be compact, lightweight and easily transportable by operators intended to work on a train at the platform. Description of the invention

[0015] To this end, the invention relates to a device for securing interventions on board a railway vehicle at the platform comprising at least one sliding access door between an open position allowing access on board the vehicle and a locked closed position, preventing access on board and allowing movement of said vehicle.

[0016] The security device according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises: - a receiving tube for a pennant, called a pennant tube, extending along a longitudinal direction and configured to be able to receive a pennant signaling an ongoing intervention, - a hook head comprising a housing for receiving one longitudinal end of said banner tube, said hook head further comprising means for fixing, by an operator, said hook head to said sliding access door of said railway vehicle, in the vicinity of the edge of the sliding door, - a rigid tab attached to said hook head and configured to be able to cover a portion of the edge of said sliding door by extending transversely beyond that portion of the edge, once said securing device has been affixed to said sliding access door, so as to form a stop which mechanically prevents said sliding access door from being moved to said locked closed position.

[0017] Thus, the safety device according to the invention has a dual function: signaling ongoing intervention by allowing a pennant to be suspended from the pennant tube (this provides visual information to the train driver and / or the stationmaster), and preventing the railway vehicle from moving by ensuring that the vehicle's sliding access door cannot reach the locked closed position (the train's control logic technically prevents the train from moving if all the doors are not in their closed and locked positions). Therefore, if the train driver and / or the stationmaster does not see the pennant and authorizes the closing of the doors and the movement of the train, the sliding access door equipped with the device according to the invention will not be able to close completely, thus preventing the train from moving.Furthermore, in such a scenario, the train driver will receive information on their control console indicating that the door is not in the locked closed position. They will therefore be alerted that an intervention is underway and can take the necessary corrective measures.

[0018] A device according to the invention thus provides the necessary safety for work carried out on board trains at the platform, by mechanically preventing the movement of the train by blocking the sliding access door on which the work is taking place. The inventors had the idea of ​​combining this mechanical blockage with a visual indicator of the work in progress. This device, which appears simple, addresses the shortcomings of current solutions for securing work carried out on board trains stationary at the platform.

[0019] Advantageously and according to the invention, said means of fixing said security device on said sliding access door comprise an air vacuum suction cup configured to adhere to said sliding access door.

[0020] This embodiment of the invention facilitates the installation and removal of the securing device on a sliding access door of the vehicle. In particular, a vacuum suction cup allows the device according to the invention to be attached to a train access door by a simple mechanical action performed by an operator. In practice, the operator places the device according to the invention on the access door, once the door is in the open position, ensuring that the rigid tab, which forms a mechanical stop, partially covers the edge of the access door. The operator then applies pressure to the vacuum suction cup to ensure a mechanical connection between the suction cup and the sliding access door. Once the vacuum suction cup is in position, the device is mounted on the door and the work can begin.A device of this type can be quickly and easily mounted on a railway vehicle access door by an operator without special qualifications. Similarly, removing the device is quick and easy and simply involves releasing the suction cup.

[0021] According to another variant, the fastening means may include magnetic means or equivalent means to ensure the mechanical link between the securing device and the sliding access door of the vehicle.

[0022] Advantageously and according to the invention, said receiving housing for the longitudinal end of said flag tube of said hanging head is provided with a metallic element and said longitudinal end of said flag tube is provided with a magnet so as to be able to ensure a removable connection between said flag tube and said hanging head.

[0023] According to this advantageous embodiment, the banner tube can be mounted on the attachment head by magnetic means. This makes it possible, in particular, to form a multi-part securing device. Thus, the operator can first attach the attachment head to the vehicle's access door and then insert the banner tube into the attachment head by magnetic means. This metallic component housed in the receiving slot can be of any type. In one embodiment, the receiving slot itself is metallic and forms the metallic component that magnetizes the end of the banner tube. In another embodiment, the longitudinal end of the banner tube includes a metallic component, and the magnet is housed at the bottom of the receiving slot of the attachment head.

[0024] Advantageously, the safety device further comprises a rubber tip arranged at the longitudinal end of said banner tube, opposite said longitudinal end connected to said attachment head, so as to prevent a risk of injury to an individual by contact with this longitudinal end of the banner tube fitted with the nozzle.

[0025] This variant helps limit the risk of injury to an individual who might come into contact with the end of the safety device's flag tube once it has been affixed to a vehicle access door. In particular, in the event of contact with this longitudinal end, the rubber tip forms a protective barrier that limits and reduces the consequences of contact between the flag tube and the individual.

[0026] Advantageously, the security device further includes a pennant mounted on said pennant tube so as to be able to signal an intervention in progress on board the vehicle on which said device is affixed.

[0027] The device according to this variant makes it easier to signal to third parties (in particular the driver and / or the stationmaster) that work is taking place on board the railway vehicle. In particular, such a pennant may include an indication of the type of work being carried out and / or other visual information. This pennant is, for example, made of fabric and includes a hem designed to slide onto the pennant tube. Other methods of attaching the pennant to the pennant tube are, of course, possible and readily available to a person skilled in the art. List of figures

[0028] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example only, and which refers to the accompanying figures in which: - [Fig. 1] is a schematic view of a security device according to one embodiment of the invention, shown in exploded perspective, - [Fig.2] is a schematic view of the security device according to the embodiment of [Fig.1], shown in assembled perspective, - [Fig.3] is a schematic view of a safety device according to an embodiment of the invention, mounted on a sliding access door of a railway vehicle, the access door being in the open position, - [Fig.4] is a schematic view of the security device according to an embodiment of the invention mounted on a sliding access door which prevents the sliding access door from closing in the locked closed position.

[0029] Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

[0030] In the figures, the scales and proportions are not strictly respected for the purposes of illustration and clarity.

[0031] Identical, similar or analogous elements are designated by the same references in all figures.

[0032] In the following text, and unless otherwise stated, the safety device is described as being fixed to a sliding access door of a railway vehicle. This arrangement is notably illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.

[0033] Figure 1 illustrates a security device according to one embodiment, the device being shown in exploded view. Figure 2 illustrates the same device in assembled view.

[0034] The securing device according to the invention comprises three main elements: a banner tube 10, a hook head 20 and a tab 30 forming a mechanical stop.

[0035] The pennant tube 10 is intended to receive a pennant to signal an ongoing intervention. This pennant tube extends along a principal direction, referred to as the longitudinal direction L. This longitudinal direction L extends, once the device according to the invention is mounted on a sliding door of a train, perpendicularly to the plane of this sliding door.

[0036] The banner tube comprises, for example, a hollow tube 12 made of a rigid material, for example, fiberglass. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, it includes an end cap 11, for example made of rubber, fitted into a first longitudinal end of the hollow tube 12 so as to prevent injury to a person who might bump against the end of the tube 12. The banner tube also comprises, at an opposite end, a magnet 14 carried by a magnet holder 16, itself secured to the tube 12, for example, by gluing. Furthermore, a nut 18 secures the magnet 14 in the magnet holder 16.

[0037] Thus, the magnet 14 is attached to the tube 12 of the banner tube 10 and allows the banner tube 10 to be linked to the hook head 20.

[0038] Indeed, according to the embodiment shown in the figures, the attachment head includes a receiving recess 22 for the banner tube. This receiving recess 22 is provided, at its base, with a metal element that allows coupling to the magnet 14 to ensure a mechanical connection between the banner tube and the attachment head 20. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, this metal element is formed by a screw 25 engaging with a corresponding nut 27, which extend on either side of the base of the receiving recess 22.

[0039] The suction cup head 20 also includes a suction cup support 24 and a suction cup 26 mounted in the suction cup support 24. The mechanical connection between the suction cup support 24 and the suction cup 26 is ensured by a screw 28 engaging with a corresponding tapped hole in the suction cup 26. The suction cup 26 is, for example, a vacuum suction cup equipped with a handle 29 that can be manipulated by an operator to create a vacuum under the suction cup membrane in order to fix the suction cup to the sliding door. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the suction cup support 24 It includes a slot 23 through which the handle 29 can extend, once the suction cup 26 is secured to the suction cup support 24 by the screw 28. This suction cup is, for example, the suction cup marketed under reference BO 600.92 Véribor®. Of course, other suction cups can be used to create the securing device according to the invention.

[0040] Finally, the safety device according to the invention comprises a rigid tab 30 attached to the suction cup support 24. This rigid tab 30 extends perpendicularly to the plane in which the suction cup 26 extends. Thus, when the suction cup is pressed against the plane of the access door of a railway vehicle, the rigid tab can extend perpendicularly to the plane of the door and come to rest against the edge of the access door. This rigid tab 30 has a non-zero thickness in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, called the transverse direction, such that once the safety device is mounted on an access door of a railway vehicle, the tab 30 prevents the door from closing completely and thus prevents any movement of the train, thanks to the railway vehicle control logic which prohibits any movement of the vehicle until all the access doors are in their locked closed position.

[0041] Figures 3 and 4 schematically illustrate the device of Figures 1 and 2 mounted on a sliding access door 50 of a railway vehicle, respectively in an open position and in a partially closed position.

[0042] As can be seen in [Fig.3], the rigid tab 30 extends transversely from the edge 52 of the access door 50. Thus, and as is apparent in [Fig.4], the rigid tab 30 prevents the door 50 from closing completely. Therefore, as long as the locking device is affixed to the access door 50, the latter cannot be moved into the locked closed position, which prevents any movement of the train, as it cannot be set in motion until all the doors of the vehicle are in the locked closed position.

[0043] Figures 3 and 4 also illustrate a pennant 40 mounted on the pennant tube of the device according to the invention so as to be able to signal an intervention in progress. This pennant 40 can be of any type. According to one embodiment, it can include information on the type of intervention in progress (refueling, cleaning, etc.).

Claims

Demands

1. A device for securing interventions on board a railway vehicle at a platform, comprising at least one sliding access door between an open position allowing access to the vehicle and a locked closed position preventing access to the vehicle and allowing movement of said vehicle, said device being characterized in that it comprises: • a receiving tube for a flag, referred to as the flag tube (10), extending along a longitudinal direction (L) and configured to be able to receive a flag (40) signaling an intervention in progress, • a hook head (20) comprising a receiving housing (22) for a longitudinal end of said flag tube (10), said hook head (20) further comprising means for fixing, by an operator, said hook head to said sliding access door of said railway vehicle, in the vicinity of the edge of the sliding door,• a rigid tab (30) attached to said hook head and configured to cover a portion of the edge of said sliding door by extending transversely beyond that portion of the edge, once said locking device has been affixed to said sliding access door, so as to form a stop which mechanically prevents said sliding access door from being moved into said locked closed position.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said means for fixing said securing device on said sliding access door comprise an air vacuum suction cup (26) configured to adhere to said sliding access door.

3. Device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said receiving housing (22) of the longitudinal end of said banner tube (10) of said hanging head is provided with a metallic member (25) and in that said longitudinal end of said banner tube (10) is provided with a magnet (14) so ​​as to be able to ensure a removable connection between said banner tube (10) and said hanging head (20).

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it further comprises a rubber tip (11) arranged at the longitudinal end of said banner tube (10), opposite said longitudinal end connected to said hook head so as to prevent a risk of injury to an individual by contact with this longitudinal end of the banner tube fitted with the tip.

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it further comprises a pennant (40) mounted on said pennant tube (10) so as to be able to signal an intervention in progress on board the vehicle on which said device is affixed.

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